SCI FI cuts opening credits to 10 seconds

The SCI FI Channel will air 10-second opening sequences for the new seasons of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis, composer Joel Goldsmith reportedly told fans at this weekend’s official Stargate convention in Burbank, California.

Executive producer Joseph Mallozzi confirmed the report in a message at GateWorld Forum. “You have to ask yourself: ‘Will it really make that much of a difference?’ ‘Is the opening sequence really that important?'” Mallozzi said. “In my opinion — you bet your a** it is. The opening sequences are as much a part of the shows as our main cast, great stirring scores by Joel Goldsmith for both SG-1 and Atlantis that really ramp up the excitement heading into a given episode.”

“How do I feel? I’ll miss both opening themes, but especially the SG-1 opening that has been with the show for the past eight years.”

The sequence will include a shot of the Stargate and rapid cuts from the show, Goldsmith said. Actor credits will not appear on screen, but credits for executive producers Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper will.

The reduced openings will give the network approximately 50 seconds of additional advertising time to sell. It is the latest example of SCI FI’s cost cutting; last year the network reduced the number of episodes ordered from 22 to 20, and followed suit again this year.

The 10-second opening follows the lead of such hit series as ABC’s Lost, which features only the series title with no cast credits or scenes from the show in the opening sequence.

A one-minute version of the opening sequence will be produced for the syndication market and, hopefully, the DVD releases. It is not yet known what the U.K.’s Sky One and other broadcasters will use.

The new season premieres this Friday, July 15, at 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific on SCI FI.